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A GUERNSEY GARDENER IN LONDON

Fireworks - yay or nay?

26/10/2018

8 Comments

 
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I noticed an article the other day in The Independent about the cancellation of a fireworks display over the Thames because of the beluga whale that is currently swimming there. The protection of animals during the fireworks season is something that has been on my mind for many years. Obviously, the animal lovers amongst us are well aware of the need to protect our companion animals around this time of year from the blitz-like noises that ensue once the celebrations are in full swing. But what about the wildlife???
 
I feel that British society needs to take a more mature view of the firework season now. Rather than succumbing to our childish whims and rushing out to buy shed loads of very expensive fireworks, many of them far too big and noisy for our tiny gardens (I speak from experience here, having been a firework junkie in the past), should we be making a concerted effort to consider the environment first rather than our petty need to see lights, colours and sparkles just to go “ooh-ahh” for an hour or so? 

Do the bangs, whistles and crackles physically built into fireworks really need to be there? I understand sound is part of the thrill, but large displays could provide synthesised effects surely, if they are such a necessity – toned down a little for sensitive ears?  Are we not an evolved society that understands the full impact of smoky displays for days on end – surely they serve no good for the environment or our lungs? Not to mention scaring the hell out of all manner of wild animals. The other consideration are those people who are actually very afraid or super sensitive to the noise and flashes – this must be two to three weeks of hell for them, with the awful promise of a repeat around new year’s eve.
 
For all of these reasons, I would ask the question- should residential firework displays be completely banned? In terms of loud noise, it’s not too bad if you know when an organised display is going to take place in your local area as you can prepare, keep the animals in, buy earplugs, plan your own counter attack etc. But the random “bombing” of local neighbourhoods by overzealous homeowners anxious to please themselves and the kids, takes you by surprise, especially when these impromptu displays happen weeks away from the actual celebration dates. I noticed that Paul has recently held a vote on the type of Bonfire night celebrations that are going to be held at the local allotments and one of the options was to have noiseless fireworks. Is this the way forward?
 
Maybe there should be some kind of compulsory national online register for both residential and organised displays? Everyone would be able to plan adequate care well in advance for their animals and family.
 
Diwali is another celebration where the evening transforms into a virtual recreation of a war zone. I can safely say that in our area, Diwali eclipses Guy Fawkes night by a long shot, due to the proximity of the town of Southall.  As well as the environmental impact. I think about the fortunes spent on the fireworks. The questions I want to ask of the firework industry are – can they be made noiseless? Can they be made smokeless? The questions I want to ask the government are – can we ban the public from setting up their own displays in tiny back gardens? Can we restrict displays to organised events only and ensure the fireworks used are noiseless with minimal smoke output? You’re already doing this with open fires in London – ensuring homeowners only use smokeless fuel and seasoned logs.
 
I don’t want to appear too critical of this immensely fun time of year – believe me, I have contributed to the pollution and spent many a pretty penny on fireworks – as a child we always enjoyed wonderful fireworks and bonfires at my grandparent house and I truly have golden memories of the first time I was allowed to set off a firework (this was the seventies – we even had handheld fireworks as well as sparklers)  but this was sometime ago now – we lived in a different time. We are now aware of our impact on this precious planet aren’t we? . We are evolved aren’t we? Filling our local atmosphere with smoke, unexpected noise until the unsociable hours over a two to three week period is surely a thing of the past? What do you think?

​Richard x
8 Comments
Anna
26/10/2018 07:35:21 pm

An online register for residents is a great idea. I personally would like to know when my neighbours intend to let off their fireworks . I live in an area where there is a small community of elderly residents and I don't think it's fair on them. I think a supervised event is the way forward. The wildlife are severely effected as is our planet. Let's get a petition going and sign me up.
I believe all children and adults alike should enjoy fireworks but not for weeks on end, it would be ok if it were just one or two nights and maybe new years.💥💥

Reply
Richard Leighton
27/10/2018 03:47:10 pm

I agree. We're going to look at the logistics of setting one up. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it and it's good to know that there are others who feel the same. All the best, Richard.

Reply
Sam
29/10/2018 11:05:55 pm

I love fireworks but they should be left to the professionals only and this is speaking from experience from helping professionals do displays many many years ago. Fireworks are beautiful to watch but also very very dangerous. They are too easily available to the public.

As for animals, I had a dog once who was petrified of any bang sounds so bonfire night and the days before and after were a nightmare for him. Just last night fireworks were being let off where I live, and there are just too many animals around here, it is unfair on them.

My view is displays by professionals only on bonfire night or a weekend night nearest to bonfire night, New Year and perhaps a couple of other dates a year. Then allow the professionals to have their firework display competitions of which there are some held in the UK, which are a perfect chance for the public to see the most amazing displays.

Here is a link which you might find of interest https://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law




Reply
Richard and Paul
31/10/2018 06:33:49 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I completely agree. They are immensely dangerous. I once felt the heat of one on my hand...I was setting one off and it started sooner than expected... luckily I wasn't burnt but I never forgot that rush of heat. I agree it should be left to the professionals and public displays should be well advertised. R.

Reply
Paul Graves link
30/10/2018 07:53:15 am

The last proper fireworks display I went to (couple of years ago), I found that the Los bang fireworks were far too loud and actually hurt my chest. Didn't enjoy it at all.

I definitely agree with professional displays only. In this day and age of health and safety and our understanding of wildlife, not to mention pets, it would be great to not have fireworks night as fireworks month.

Planned and informed is best. Get that register going I say.

Reply
Richard and Paul
31/10/2018 06:37:00 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I think the fireworks should be made noiseless...why not synchronise them to lovely music...much more pleasant. And I'd reduce the smoke output...I think this would have less of an impact.

Reply
Inge
9/12/2018 01:06:57 pm

Well put, Richard. In the Netherlands, cities are now defining zones where it is not allowed to light fireworks, for example near (elderly) care facilities, zoos, near public transport stations and the like. There's been discussion here to limit fireworks to shows by professionals, but the general public is not ready to let go of their precious chance to start a fire and make things go 'bang' just yet. I wouldn't be surprised if the authorities are just going to limit fireworks step by step every year instead of all at once.

Personally, I wouldn't mind if the fireworks stopped, as I'm sensitive to sound and smell. Then again, I do enjoy the visual spectacle once a year. Unfortunately, my neighbours favour loud fireworks over pretty ones. So I'm all on board with soundless and smokeless fireworks by professionals.

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Frances Brotzel
16/11/2019 05:21:52 pm

If it was even restricted to one, two or three nights it would be more acceptable.
However, that’s not the case. It seems to go on forever and what with the other Festival to add to it, I think it really needs taking in hand. There are also the mindless idiots that let off very loud bangers in the street and I have seen them being thrown at cars and motorbikes.

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